Stella Funmilayo Longe

Eyeee Olumii… as I fondly call you. A mother like no other—one who epitomized strength, love, passion, and an unparalleled work ethic. No words can truly capture the depth of your love, which you poured into us—your children, grandchildren, relatives, extended family, and even neighbors. You were a woman whose heart overflowed with love, and you demonstrated it in every way possible, even beyond this world.
Seyi once told me, “I saw my grandma Olu in my dreams, patting me on the back.” Even in eternity, your love transcends.
After my father’s passing, my greatest concern was you. I prayed and hoped you would stay with us for at least twenty more years—smiling at the thought—but God had His own plans. Who are we to question Him? Even in death, your love for your husband remained unwavering. You stood by him in every possible way, sacrificing so much. Whenever I asked you to come visit, your response was always the same: “I don’t want to leave my husband alone.” Even on your hospital bed, you told Funmi you needed to go home and cook for him. That was when I realized—you were seeing something beyond what we could comprehend.
You were an inspiring soul, always there for anyone who came to you with their troubles. You comforted them with kind words, wise counsel, and a warm heart. Your home was open to all, and your hospitality made everyone feel valued. “Iye Olu” is a never-ending song in my heart, a melody of comfort, happiness, and love.
In your own way, you became a mother to so many—even those unrelated by blood. You nurtured and guided countless people from childhood to adulthood. You were a strong advocate for education, always reminding us, “In all thy getting, get educated.” Your marriage to my late father became a reference point for others; people sought your wisdom, and you played a role in resolving family matters.
You also encouraged both the young and old to embrace your craft—knitting—especially struggling young couples. With gentle persuasion, you urged wives to take up the skill, assuring them it could support their families. You even went further, speaking to their husbands to secure the necessary tools and machines, always reassuring them that their wives would soon become experts. And you didn’t stop there—you went above and beyond, introducing them to organizations where their services would be needed, ensuring they had a foundation to build upon.
Your love was boundless, your kindness immeasurable, and your legacy everlasting. You were, and always will be, a mother like no other.
Rest on Stella….Rest Well Funmilayo…..Adieu

A Tribute to My Beloved Mother, Stella Funmilayo Longe (Nee Ogunsakin)
A mother’s love is the purest form of sacrifice, and my dear mother, Stella Funmilayo Longe, was the very definition of selflessness, resilience, and unconditional love. She was a hardworking woman who stood as the backbone of our family, supporting our father and ensuring that we, her children, had the best opportunities in life.
Despite not having a formal education, she worked tirelessly, using her craft in cardigan knitting to provide for us. She was warm, accommodating, and a friend to all family members, always putting the needs of her family above her own.
When my father retired in 1997, life took a difficult turn. I had just started secondary school, and we had moved to Adiyan, a rural area. My mother, determined to give me the best education possible, made a bold decision—she refused to let me suffer through the long daily journey from Adiyan to Agege for school, nor did she want me to settle for a less-equipped school nearby. With the little income she earned from knitting, she enrolled me in a boarding school at Iganmode Grammar School, Ota, and placed me in a private hostel (Ogunseye Girls Hostel), ensuring I had close supervision, structure, and a nurturing environment.
Even though money was tight, she paid my school fees and hostel fees in installments, traveling long distances to speak with my house mistress, assuring her that she would pay as soon as she received payments from the cardigans she supplied to schools. She visited me frequently, sometimes outside of official visiting days, pleading with my house mistress, saying, “I want the best for Funmi. She is my only daughter. Please take her to church, encourage her to attend fellowship, and watch over her as your own child.” That was the kind of mother she was—one who never left anything to chance when it came to her children’s well-being always backing us and giving us confidence in whatever we are doing. She will say Olorun aran elowo. Modewaleyi e. that what a true mother would say to her own child.
Her sacrifices did not stop at secondary school. She financed my education at Auchi Polytechnic, then at the Polytechnic Ibadan, and finally, the University of Ibadan. I still remember how she would personally package my belongings and carry them on her head and in her hands, following me from Agege to Ojota to board a bus to school. When I left for my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Imo State, she did the same. She was always there—physically, emotionally, and in every way possible.
There was a time when misunderstandings strained our relationship, when she was manipulated to go against my wish and I almost lost my love for her. It was one of the most difficult and painful experiences of my life. But I thank God for my father, who helped bring clarity to the situation. Eventually, my mother saw the true picture, and we found our way back to each other. No matter what happened, I could never deny the depth of her love and all that she had done for me. I had already forgiven her long before she even asked. She carried me for nine months, endured the pains of childbirth, and made countless sacrifices to shape my future—I could never take that for granted.
Mummy, you are my world and my hero. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for you because you did everything for me. Thank you for giving me life, for your love, for your care, and for even extending that same love to my children and husband. The privilege of being fully present with you in your final moments is a gift I will never forget.
Your love, sacrifices, and legacy will forever live in my heart. Rest well, my dearest mother. I will always love and honor you. Omo olore, omo won ni pasa, kin ba gbo pe agbe ran bo nipasa kin ri mowipe emu ran nifo, omoelejo woriri dina. I will never say goodbye because i know you are with me always, live on abiamo tooto, I love you……

My tribute.
To our darling mum, little did I know that early 2024 was going to be the last time that I was going to be hearing your sweet Ikole dialect in this planet earth whilst I was on a 3 way call with you and Aderannibi. We take solace in the fact that you are with our heavenly creator, the giver of all things . Goodnight ‘Yeye omo’.- Kole Romiluyi- Omo Mama Emily Usin.

“Grateful to God you were the vehicle of my arrival here to fulfil destiny and your unforgettable motherhood from my innocency till your last breadth. privileged to see the angels that came to ferry you to the other side, Glad to have led you the path of righteousness. I know you have joined the cloud of witness and can rest this. From my heart I LOVE YOU AND THANK YOU FOR BEING THE BEST MOTHER. We shall renunite Duly. Rest on Mother

Olumuyiwa Longe (Son)

A Tribute to My Beloved Mother, Stella Funmilayo Longe (Nee Ogunsakin)
A mother’s love is the purest form of sacrifice, and my dear mother, Stella Funmilayo Longe, was the very definition of selflessness, resilience, and unconditional love. She was a hardworking woman who stood as the backbone of our family, supporting our father and ensuring that we, her children, had the best opportunities in life.
Despite not having a formal education, she worked tirelessly, using her craft in cardigan knitting to provide for us. She was warm, accommodating, and a friend to all family members, always putting the needs of her family above her own.
When my father retired in 1997, life took a difficult turn. I had just started secondary school, and we had moved to Adiyan, a rural area. My mother, determined to give me the best education possible, made a bold decision—she refused to let me suffer through the long daily journey from Adiyan to Agege for school, nor did she want me to settle for a less-equipped school nearby. With the little income she earned from knitting, she enrolled me in a boarding school at Iganmode Grammar School, Ota, and placed me in a private hostel (Ogunseye Girls Hostel), ensuring I had close supervision, structure, and a nurturing environment.
Even though money was tight, she paid my school fees and hostel fees in installments, traveling long distances to speak with my house mistress, assuring her that she would pay as soon as she received payments from the cardigans she supplied to schools. She visited me frequently, sometimes outside of official visiting days, pleading with my house mistress, saying, “I want the best for Funmi. She is my only daughter. Please take her to church, encourage her to attend fellowship, and watch over her as your own child.” That was the kind of mother she was—one who never left anything to chance when it came to her children’s well-being always backing us and giving us confidence in whatever we are doing. She will say Olorun aran elowo. Modewaleyi e. that what a true mother would say to her own child.
Her sacrifices did not stop at secondary school. She financed my education at Auchi Polytechnic, then at the Polytechnic Ibadan, and finally, the University of Ibadan. I still remember how she would personally package my belongings and carry them on her head and in her hands, following me from Agege to Ojota to board a bus to school. When I left for my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Imo State, she did the same. She was always there—physically, emotionally, and in every way possible.
There was a time when misunderstandings strained our relationship, when she was manipulated to go against my wish and I almost lost my love for her. It was one of the most difficult and painful experiences of my life. But I thank God for my father, who helped bring clarity to the situation. Eventually, my mother saw the true picture, and we found our way back to each other. No matter what happened, I could never deny the depth of her love and all that she had done for me. I had already forgiven her long before she even asked. She carried me for nine months, endured the pains of childbirth, and made countless sacrifices to shape my future—I could never take that for granted.
Mummy, you are my world and my hero. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for you because you did everything for me. Thank you for giving me life, for your love, for your care, and for even extending that same love to my children and husband. The privilege of being fully present with you in your final moments is a gift I will never forget.
Your love, sacrifices, and legacy will forever live in my heart. Rest well, my dearest mother. I will always love and honor you. Omo olore, omo won ni pasa, kin ba gbo pe agbe ran bo nipasa kin ri mowipe emu ran nifo, omoelejo woriri dina. I will never say goodbye because i know you are with me always, live on abiamo tooto, I love you……

Oluwafunmilola Aderannibi Adepegba (Nee Longe)

Eyeee Olumii… as I fondly call you. A mother like no other—one who epitomized strength, love, passion, and an unparalleled work ethic. No words can truly capture the depth of your love, which you poured into us—your children, grandchildren, relatives, extended family, and even neighbors. You were a woman whose heart overflowed with love, and you demonstrated it in every way possible, even beyond this world.
Seyi once told me, “I saw my grandma Olu in my dreams, patting me on the back.” Even in eternity, your love transcends.
After my father’s passing, my greatest concern was you. I prayed and hoped you would stay with us for at least ten more years—smiling at the thought—but God had His own plans. Who are we to question Him? Even in death, your love for your husband remained unwavering. You stood by him in every possible way, sacrificing so much. Whenever I asked you to come visit, your response was always the same: “I don’t want to leave my husband alone.” Even on your hospital bed, you told Funmi you needed to go home and cook for him. That was when I realized—you were seeing something beyond what we could comprehend.
You were an inspiring soul, always there for anyone who came to you with their troubles. You comforted them with kind words, wise counsel, and a warm heart. Your home was open to all, and your hospitality made everyone feel valued. “Iye Olu” is a never-ending song in my heart, a melody of comfort, happiness, and love.
In your own way, you became a mother to so many—even those unrelated by blood. You nurtured and guided countless people from childhood to adulthood. You were a strong advocate for education, always reminding us, “In all thy getting, get educated.” Your marriage to my late father became a reference point for others; people sought your wisdom, and you played a role in resolving family matters.
You also encouraged both the young and old to embrace your craft—knitting—especially struggling young couples. With gentle persuasion, you urged wives to take up the skill, assuring them it could support their families. You even went further, speaking to their husbands to secure the necessary tools and machines, always reassuring them that their wives would soon become experts. And you didn’t stop there—you went above and beyond, introducing them to organizations where their services would be needed, ensuring they had a foundation to build upon.
Your love was boundless, your kindness immeasurable, and your legacy everlasting. You were, and always will be, a mother like no other.
Rest on Stella….Rest Well Funmilayo…..Adieu
Olufisayo Longe (Son)

A Tribute to My Beloved Aunt, Mrs. Stella Olufunmilayo Longe, Omo Ogunsakin.

From my earliest memories, you were always there—steadfast, caring, and full of love.

Aunty mi, Funmilayo, you were not just a relative, but a guiding light in our lives. You have been the rock of our family, the one who carried us all along with your nurturing spirit, especially after the loss of our mother, your dear sister, 22 years ago.

In the absence of her presence, you filled that void with a love so deep and constant that it has left an indelible mark on all of us. You were, and always will be, an extraordinary mother to us. The way you loved, protected, and cared for us—without hesitation—was a testament to the strength and depth of your heart. Your unwavering commitment to keeping us all together, through every storm and every joy, is something we will never forget.

You were hardworking, resourceful, resilient, strong, noble, fearless, determined, adventurous, daring, committed and dedicated to the wellbeing of your husband and children.
You were a lover, so loving and caring towards your husband and his family.
You struggled and worked hard together with your husband to educate all your children. Thank you for all your struggle and labor, they will forever be remembered. Your Legacy lives on forever, through your children, grand children and rest of your relatives.

Now, with your passing, there is a larger emptiness, a greater silence in our lives, one that will be difficult, if not impossible, to fill. As I write this tribute, I am again overwhelmed with emotions, knowing that the world is a little less bright without you in it.

Yet, despite the sadness, I am grateful for the 74 years that God lent you to us. Your life was rich, full of purpose, and left a legacy that will continue to resonate within us.

Rest on, my beloved Aunty !!! You came, you saw and you conquered, you have fought a good fight, you have ran your race well, there await for you a crown of glory with many stars from your maker !!!.

Until we meet again on the restoration morning, when there will be no more pain, no more parting, no sorrow and no more goodbyes. You will forever live in our hearts, and your love will continue to guide us. I love 💗 you now and always aunty mi Funmilayo, aya Longe, Mama Olumide, as you are popularly called, even in death, l love 💕you more continue to Rest in Peace at the bossom of your creator. We love 💕 you, but God loves you best !!!
Omo Olusin, Omo Alasha, Omo Ogunsakin, Omo Aoyo, Omo onigbo asamoju, Igbo ti eyin eku.
Omo asoro, mao ekoto reni
Anukanjo anukanhoraran.

Sunre o !!! Abiyamo tooto, may your rest be forever sweet ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Adejoke Ojo.

Words fail me….because your death wasn’t something I taught coming soon, u been am amazing aunt, I remember when mummy pass on I was the one that came to inform you at Adiyan, I never knew how to break the news to you, you had to give me bread nd egg to eat after eating you said we should be going to the hospital at Aboru that was when I told u to call down that I have something to tell u, you broken down totally because you never believed my mom your elder sis is no more until we got to aboru together.
Never since that day you been an aunt nd a mother to me nd my sibling , u always come around in surulere (Lawanson precisely) were we stayed to check on us until u moved down to Adiyan, when we moved out of Surulere you followed us to Igando together and u spent a night with us.
Remember when I gave birth to Modupeola u came to Ikorodu were I stay to see him, you brought cardigan cap nd sock for him hoping one day he will definitely meet u in person not knowing God has his own plans for u .
I will truly miss how you call to check and prayer for me and the kids, felt I will see u again this year when u back from Canada not knowing you are going to pass unto glory.
Aunty mi like I do call you, you shall never be forgotten.
Continue to rest in peace ma
Till we meet to part no more.
Adieu ma
OJO OLUWASEUN

My tribute to a loving mother am grateful to my mother for giving me the life to experience how beautiful this world is, she has always been there for me. Your memory lives forever in my heart. Rest in the bosom of the Lord until we meet again.
Idowu Longe (Son)

Oya ubami Luka!

Remembering Eyee Olumide, a shining star whose light will never fade. Your kindness, compassion, and generosity inspired countless hearts. Though you may be gone, your legacy lives on through the countless lives you touched. Rest in peace, dear mother. Your memory will be cherished forever.

Bankole -Phillips Longe